This is the only Danish restaurant open midweek after 6 pm. Since I am only familiar with Ikea and cruise ship Danish dishes, I felt I had to eat at a Danish restaurant in a Danish town. Service was great - felt welcome; staff was friendly; wanting to please; clean and well lited; and hostable. I told them I only had an hour to eat. They took my order and I was done within an hour. The marinated red cabbage was absolutely delicious - great mixture of the vinegar and spices. I ordered the combo of one sausage and one meat ball that came with a soup, a bread basket, mashed potatoes and gravy. Gravy and potatoes were on the thick side - not creamy nor fluid like. The portion was ample. I took out an order of aebleskiver because I wanted to know what it was like. Aebleskiver are puffy Danish pancake balls. Mine was quite disappointing. The three balls ($4.95) weren't fluffy. I felt it was super condense with no taste. I only had one bite and threw the rest away. read more

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I've never had Danish food before other than the similar IKEA meatballs so I was really excited to try the food here. We arrived around 1 p.m. and it was already half full. It's definitely a cozy Mom-and-Pop looking like restaurant. Our servers were all super nice and checked up on us often. I want to give a shoutout to the girl who was hosting, she was not only hosting, but also taking orders, cleaning tables, and running checks. Our order was the combination plate and the sampler. The combination plate had a sausage, meatball, mash potato, gravy, pickled cucumbers, and cabbage. I thought it was all very good. Tasted like your standard IKEA dish and the portion was pretty decent. The sample was your All American kind of sampler with onion rings, wings, and cheese curds. I'd probably skip that if I were you. read more

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Came here for a Saturday lunch on a gloomier day, and there were plenty of seats inside! I've been wanting to try this restaurant every time I drove up to Solvang. The ambience is homey and service was good. I ordered a Danish sandwich (first one on the menu), which seamed to have a meatball in it, some lettuce, and red cabbage. It was served with potato salad and a slice of red beat. To be honest, I wasn't that impressed-- the bread seemed a little hard/gamey and the portion was quite small. However I'm also not well-versed in Danish food, so that might play a factor! The American sandwiches might be better portion-wise. That being said, our table also ordered some aebleskiver for dessert, and it was so delicious! It was still warm and fresh, so soft and the jam went so well with it. I would recommend getting them for sure! read more

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My girlfriend and I recently stopped by Red Viking Restaurant in Solvang hoping for a quick lunch while walking around town. Since Solvang is such a tourist-heavy area, we expected it might be a little busy, but the restaurant is small and we were seated right away, which felt promising. We knew exactly what we wanted and placed our order immediately -- two burgers and two sodas. My girlfriend received her drink quickly, but I had to wait about 20 minutes for a Shirley Temple and eventually had to ask another server for it. During that time, the person who took our order never once came back to check on us. We tried to stay patient and understanding. We know restaurants can be short-staffed, especially in a busy town like this. However, after waiting over an hour for two burgers, a younger server (who was hustling the entire time -- cleaning tables, seating guests, running drinks) came to check on us and look into our order. She was the only staff member who showed any sense of urgency or attentiveness. At that point, we asked to speak to a manager. To our surprise, the original person who took our order came over -- and she was the manager. This was the first time we had seen her since placing our order over an hour earlier. I calmly explained that while we understood it was busy and possibly short-staffed, the lack of communication and attentiveness was frustrating -- especially from a manager. Instead of taking accountability, she told us there was only one chef and that she could "only push him so much." She said she had sent others to check on us and bring drinks, and that the situation was largely out of her control. She even told us that the chef kept saying "a few more minutes" for every order and that she wasn't sure how accurate that was. At that point, we decided we no longer wanted the food and asked to just pay the check to the food and leave. She said she wouldn't charge us, which we appreciated. However, as we were walking out, she pulled aside the younger server -- the only one who had actually helped us -- and began reprimanding her in front of customers. She wasn't yelling, but it wasn't discreet either. It was uncomfortable to witness and felt extremely unprofessional, especially considering that the younger server was the only staff member who showed initiative and care. The manager implied it was that server's fault that I had waited so long for my drink, which didn't align with what we experienced. This experience could have been handled so much better with simple communication. If we had been told upfront that there was one chef and that food would take a little longer to come out, we would have adjusted our expectations or chosen to dine elsewhere. A quick check-in or acknowledgment from the manager would have gone a long way. We understand that things happen and restaurants get overwhelmed. But leadership and accountability matter, especially in hospitality. Unfortunately, this visit left us disappointed, frustrated, and uncomfortable. I hope this feedback is taken constructively, because with better management and communication, this could be a much better experience for future guests. read more

We stopped in for dinner on a Saturday during a consistent dinner rush. The combination plate was delicious! The cucumber salad was a cool balanced side to complement the warm red cabbage & potatoes. The meatball was a bit dry, but the sausage was savory. My only critique is for the staff. We were greeted and our order was taken right away, however our server only checked in with us once after being served & forgot to bring out my beverage & extra side I ordered. Upon getting our receipt, we were charged for everything we ordered but didn't get everything brought out.. Aside from the service, the food was delicious! Plan ahead, as this place gets full for dinner & you may have to wait. read more

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First time visiting Solvang and came across this restaurant. Never had danish food and this was a lovely experience. The staff was welcoming and accommodating. Will definitely visit again ! read more

This place was great the fry's are amazing and so are their sandwiches. I had the salmon Cesar and the salmon was so tender. Great family spot! read more

The Food was good but the service was horrible. Horrible They took our order then the food is sitting on the counter. We had to ask for it We never saw anyone agin until we finally asked for the bill read more

Service initially was fine but food took a while. The sausage sampler was not bad. Sorry no pics. Side order of fries could have been a little more for the price but Caesar salad was a solid A. read more

One of the only places that didn't have a line out the door. We didn't have time on our trip to wait all morning for breakfast so we decided to give it a shot. The reviews weren't the best but we tried it anyways. Service was great and staff were friendly. Food was good as well. I wouldn't say this place was anything to write home about but nothing negative to say about it. Quick, good and fair priced in a small town. My wife did love her Bloody Mary actually, so that's a win! read more

Came here for lunch today with my family. We waited 45 minutes to be seated. Server took our orders. Our drinks came quickly. Our food took a bit of time. The rest of my family received their orders but my club sandwich was missing. They still had it listed on our receipt...my husband had to tell them that I never got it. No apologies from them. We were just told they would take it off the bill. Never coming back. read more

The Red Viking was our 2nd option after the Solvang Restaurant. It had no lines and less than a 20 minute wait. I now know why.. food was pretty mid and portions were okay. I had a couple family members order a sampler and captain which came with soup and bread. The servers had forgotten about it until we asked. Safe to say, we'll just wait for 1 hour for Solvang Restaurant. read more

Red Viking Restaurant - French dip - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solvang, California

Extremely slow service and long wait for food. I was served a drink with a bug in it, they replaced it (thank god) but still gross. They are not understaffed, they just intentionally avoid tables/eye contact when they don't want to serve you yet. Other guests sat around us had a very similar experience. Would not come here again. read more

Dined a couple days ago and $28 for meatballs and then there are just TINY clumps of meat, and not great, potatoes tasted like instant, meat tasted like it was heated up in the microwave.... good service however read more

Red Viking Restaurant - Big clump of potatoes, two tiny clumps of meat - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solvang, California

People should consider the harm they do before leaving bad reviews. Running any business is hard to do and i believe it's especially difficult for a restaurant in a tourist town. This restaurant deserves many more five stars than it gets. Seven days a week The Red Viking Restaurant opens earlier and closes later than just about any business in Solvang. Staff was pleasant and courteous. The wait was reasonable and the food was very good (a perfect Reuben sandwich with perfect onion rings on the side). Well deserved five stars!!! read more

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Plan B as we were hoping to try the Chicken Pot Pie at the Irish bar but service was slow and understaffed. We were window shopping and either the owner or another patron waved us in to try it out. Quaint establishment, casual diner-like and family friendly. Never had Danish food that I could recall, so thankfully, there was a burger on the menu, a safe choice for a particular tteen boy. He said it was great. Hubs and I shared the Combo plate which consisted of a meatball, sausage, red cabbage and mashed potato with gravy. Loved it and we will definitely be back. read more

Red Viking Restaurant - Danish Sausage, meatball, cabbage and mashed potatoes. Delish! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solvang, California

The food was great and the portions are a good amount. The servicer was quick with the drink refills. If you haven't been here you should definitely try it. read more

If you like good food, walk away from this place, fast. Food couldn't be worse. Borderline inedible. Mashed potatoes came from a box. Fries came cold. The "Pesto Chicken Sandwich" was dry as hell. We could hardly swallow it. The bacon on it was limp as a deflated balloon. The plate came with a slice of orange???????? The "Pork Roast" was a disgrace to all things pork. Red cabbage came soggy and cold. The soup of the day was old, definitely from a can, and everything in it was soggy. The allegedly homebaked bread that came with it was drier than a week-old crouton. The best part was the beer that helped us forget how horrible this experience was. Service was okay and very fast, probably because it only takes 60 seconds for the food to be warmed up in the microwave. The server was nice and attentive, and we felt bad for them, but not as bad as the people walking in, expecting authentic danish food. read more

Ordered pickled herring and enjoyed it very much. Great menu choices and good service.

Meatballs and mashed potatoes were delicious! The ground beef with egg on top was also quite tasty. First time having red cabbage- was not disappointed. The red pepper soup was amazing. Decor is very welcoming and staff was very attentive. Def worth a stop. Only drawback - strange for sure; but they should pick better background music. More authentic would be appreciated as much as I love Ton Loc playing the Funky Cold Medina; better experience with actual music from the Motherland. read more

Hunger struck at an inconvenient moment, at the height of the lunch hour during Solvang's busy season. The bakery danishes had worn off and this place was the only option with a wait that was less than an hour. Allegedly. We were initially told it would be 45 minutes but it was closer to an hour and a half. When we were finally seated the service was fine. I enjoyed reading the history on the menu. For such a long standing staple, I expected at least standard greasy spoon quality. The food was disappointing, worst than Denny's. Sidebar: Due Credit. One of our kids enjoyed the kids pasta with marinara. The end. read more

Our waitress was nice. The Food was tasty but the portions were too small for the price. The hot open sandwich was like a large cracker with a small sausage sliced in half. The potato skins was 3 tiny slices of a small potato. The toppings looked good but were bland. Would not return. read more

Stopped in for lunch. Nice restaurant, walked in solo, and just told to take a seat! I like being able to choose my own table. Service was excellent! I picked a plate that came with a ground sirloin, topped with an egg. Sides were cucumbers and some sort of red cabbage slaw. A bit too sweet for my taste. The mashed potatoes and gravy were delicious! I loved the included soup of red pepper as well. Came with a platter of bread and butter too. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town. read more

Red Viking Restaurant - Excellent red pepper soup as starter for lunch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solvang, California

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Food was served warm. Didn't seem fresh. My husband and I ordered combination plates with sausage and meatballs. My daughter ordered a hot dog. Not sure how you can mess that up but she didn't like it and either did we. We used to love coming here and food was better. Must be under new management. read more

We had some tasty danish inspired dinners here in this quaint but lively little restaurant. The bread served, especially the flatbread, was very appetizing, and we were happy to learn something about danish cuisine! Can't go wrong with our entrees. Meatballs and patties, very delicious. Thank you for the great service read more

Red Viking Restaurant - Danish meatball, sausages, and gravy. Pickles and red cabbage. Partner has patty with egg. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solvang, California

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Visited the Red Viking in Solvang, California, based on local recommendations. The outdoor seating and quaint storefront set a charming vibe. The staff was friendly, though not overly so. Ordered the roast beef Danish sandwich, not realizing it was an open-faced dish. While the food wasn't bad, it fell short of my expectations. The elderly couple next to us enjoyed their meal, making me wish I'd ordered what they had. Service was average, and the restaurant's Viking-themed decor added to the atmosphere. Appreciated the cleanliness of the restaurant. Giving it three stars--decent but not exceptional. I question if my letdown was due to high expectations or the restaurant's performance. If you visit, share your thoughts--was it me or the restaurant? read more

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Went on a weekday and while the food is filling it seems far from good. Not sure how close to authentic Danish food this is. The meatball sandwich: bland meatballs, a single lettuce slice which caused everything to slide off. This is the main reason for two stars. Consider skipping all open faced sandwiches here. The potato salad, lightly flavored. The sausage plate: sausages were lightly seasoned, mashed potatoes were ok although the gravy was very light in flavor, the red cabbage sweet, and the pickles were possibly best. The veggie soup was normal and heavy on the tomato taste, accompanying bread slices just ok. The service was fast since there weren't many customers during a weekday lunch. The atmosphere felt cozy in an old fashioned kind of way. read more

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Service was friendly, located off the main street in Solvang with street parking only. Place seemed clean. This review is ONLY for the pancake balls (Aebleskivers), which we picked up to go. They were just ok for me. They were made to order, so we got them piping hot. It's hard to find fault with freshly baked goods, I suppose. But I don't feel they're quite worth the hype and the cost. I gave more stars for the good feel of the restaurant and service. read more

Red Viking Restaurant - Pancake balls - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solvang, California

When in Solvang...one must try the specialty food of the country. If you're a foodie and enjoy trying different foods then great but I'm not so I can't say I enjoyed this dish as much as I'd hope to. The starter was actually really good though! The red roasted peppers soup was so flavorful and delicious along with the sourdough bread. I decided to give the combination meal a try. It was the meatball with sausage, red cabbage and mash potatoes. The sausage I didn't care for, especially because of the thick skin layered, it was too chewy for me. The meatball flavor was ok. I was able to eat that along when the mashed potatoes and gravy that gave it a good flavor. They pickled cucumber was actually really good! I edited that a lot but not the red cabbage. Thinking it was going to be pickled and cold, turned out to be warm cabbage and I didn't like it at all. Overall the service was ok. The restaurant itself is fairly large and because it was later in the evening, the restaurant wasn't that packed so I didn't have to wait long. It's a good place for any size party. One of the local favorites, if you're a foodie wanting to try a bit of Denmark, then definitely check it out. They do offer other traditional food items as well if you're not wanting to try something different. read more

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Yikes! Do not go here. Just don't. But if you find yourself stupid one day and you're in this restaurant, be forewarned that this food is not very good. The only reason I gave it 2 stars was because the whiskey sour was good. It probably benefited from being made fresh to order unlike the food. We ordered the roast pork dinner and the meatball dinner. Came with soup or salad. We both opted for the salad which wasn't bad but it was just a pile of greens with maybe 4 slices of red onion. Not much to it. The entrees arrived lukewarm at best. Roasted pork seemed like a day old or so...dry and not fresh tasting. The meatballs were a bit chilled in the middle. The accompanying red cabbage was soggy and old tasting. Mashed potatoes came with one scoop and maybe a teaspoon of gravy. Both lukewarm. French fried onions and pickled cucumbers completed the sadly plated entree. There was a basket of cold bread and it wasn't very good. Service was fine. We could not wait to leave and didn't finish our meals. Interior seems old and tired, a bit like the food. We cannot recommend this place. read more

The positive: They have outdoor seating right in the heart of downtown, so you get a good view of the charming Danish town as you eat. The negative: Unfortunately, other reviewers are correct about the mediocre food. read more

Red Viking Restaurant - Denver Omlette with potatoes and toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solvang, California

Every time we visit Solvang, we come here. It is located in middle of Copenhagen street, very convenient after exploring around. Food is tasty and service is awesome!! read more

Red Viking Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solvang, California

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This place was easy to get seated and I was hungry. The visitors center suggested this place and it was desirable because it had German, Danish and American food. Something for every one. I ordered the Rueben sandwich and instead of fries, got the side of fried cheese curds (which are not in the menu). Food came and it looked good. I'll start with the Cheese Curds. Definitely a good pick!! Great taste and you get a lot of them. But the Rueben was very disappointing. The corned beef was super dry. Even with the cheese and sauerkraut, it was floppy, hard and dry. Not appealing at all. I was hungry so I ate half of it, but I definitely would NOT order it again. We were going to order dinner Ableskivers but decided against it after the terrible Reuben. We will walk down the street and get those somewhere else. Service was okay. Nothing extraordinary. Will not be back. Oh and their bathrooms are gross! Water all over the floor. read more

Red Viking Restaurant - Rueben Sandwich (don't get this) and Fried Cheese Curds (YES, get these!) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solvang, California

Wonderful food! I love the red pepper soup and Danish meatballs. They also have great service.

Simple, old fashion, good food. Service good. American and Danish food, good size portions, fresh. Old style ambiance, family owned.

We had a last minute ladies get together that grew two more than we had expected. The management and staff at the Red Viking accommodated us very well. The waitress took care of 23 of us with a calm and cheerful spirit. The young men from the kitchen, who delivered the dishes to the tables and fulfilled the additional requests that were made as they passed by. The food wasn't particularly fancy, but it was good and wholesome. We all had a wonderful time. read more

We decided to road trip up to Solvang for a fay during MLK Jr weekend and was looking for a family-friendly Danish restaurant, and Red Viking checked the boxes! The food is very mid. Having lived traveled to the Nordic countries often, I get that by the American palate, the food can taste a bit bland. That's OK for me as that is the way the food tends to be prepared. The red cabbage is sweet (with cooked apples, I think). The mashed potatoes and gravy are standard, tastes fine. The sausage, while not with a whole lot of seasoning, is what it is. Actually, the split pea soup was the one thing that I thought was surprisingly good, but overall most items were OK. Two things in what we ordered were not great. Some of my daughter's meatballs were burnt... with a very inedible, crispy outer shell, like they had been in the pot/pan for too long. Additionally, my roast pork had obviously been roasted and then pan seared, and overly so where it was dry. And all that I could assume is that it was probably pan seared because it was old. If the food tasted fresher and closer to made to order, this would easily be a 4 to 5 star review. Service was great, but maybe under-staffed. The restaurant is centrally located and convenient, but it is showing its age. Prices are reasonable without feeling like a total tourist gouge. It's a solid choice to eat, especially if you are looking for Danish food. Just maybe don't go in with high expectations. read more

Great breakfast spot right on the main street in Solvang! Cozy, classic atmosphere with a solid menu and friendly service.

Loved the combination plate with sausage and a meatball! Service was ok...the waitress was nice but she brought me soup instead of salad. Thankfully the frickadeller and gravy made up for it! A little pricey overall but not unlike other vacation spots. read more

Red Viking Restaurant - Combination sausage and meatball with mashed potatoes and gravy, pickled cucumber and red cabbage - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Solvang, California

Not impressed, should have left after speaking to the server and getting a bad vibe about the staff and food. While waiting a while for anyone to take our order I witnessed two staff members wipe their noses repeatedly onto their hands. There is no way they then washed them, I'm certain. I asked the server to leave off the cheese from my sandwich and he said they were pre-made which sounds terrible for an actual restaurant to tell you but I went along. You would think pre-made sandwiches would be ready quickly but nope. The food was overly fried, dried out, and overpriced. Pick another place is my advice. read more